Almost as soon as it was signed into law in 2010, the Affordable Health Care Act began changing the way health services are provided. This year many new changes will begin to ease in including an increase in Medicare taxes and an increase in primary care reimbursements in Medicaid to match those of Medicare. All leading up to January 1, 2014 when health insurance exchanges are implemented, and bundled payment demonstrations, accountable care organizations and consolidation will occur.

To keep our Medical Staff informed of the hospital’s strategies for meeting the challenges and risks of this massive transformation, Ken Gummerson, MD, and Mitch Schwartz, MD, will host a monthly information exchange. We invite you to be a part of the discussion as we address the issues and share the implications for infrastructure, technology, clinical integration, transition from fee-for-service payment models, and, how all of the change will affect you, your practice and the medical system.

Join us for the first in the monthly series:

Friday, May 24 from Noon to 2pmMedical Staff Lounge1st Floor, Hsopital Pavilion South

Take a look at any newspaper, magazine or web-based headline and you’re bound to see references to changes affecting the world of medicine. The information comes in multiple forms. It can be in a blog, such as Wachter’s World, or a documentary, Escape Fire, on CNN. From Obamacare to Medicaid, the rapid evolution of the expectations of our health system is on display. Somehow, I sense there are more negative messages than positive. And, in many ways, the criticism is justified. The costs do not appear to deliver measurable value, such as in mortality rates, harm and patient satisfaction.

There are few venues at AAMC to discuss these challenging topics that directly affect our professional careers. The quick hallway conversations don’t do justice to the complexity of the problems. There is little evidence of a two-way dialogue to spark frank discussion on these topics. The lack of appropriate discourse only generates more assumptions, second-guessing and misunderstandings within our own medical community.

I’m sure that most physicians will be affected directly by the cuts. And if there is little in the way of response, I believe it opens the door to further reimbursement changes either through the SGR formula, bundling of payments or other obligations that will put a price on the value of care.

Do you believe your practice will be affected? Will you continue to see new Medicare patients? What are your thoughts about bundling of payments? Please send in your comments. They will be available for viewing and further responses.